Wednesday, 14 December 2011

In the Mood

Off we went at the weekend, headed westbound for our little bolthole in the country. My parents came too and it was fun to find Bridport was looking and feeling rather festive. Dad was tasked with selecting the sprouts. Surely mum doesn't want to get them cooking just yet? Don't like the things myself but do so love the whacky little tree thing they grow on!

I was thrilled to find a brass band was playing, you simply can't beat it for creating an atmosphere but as Buckydoo Square is undergoing renovations, they had to find a little space on the street corner.

There was still space to squeeze in a fine tree, it seemed. Shame about those barriers, very unphotogenic.

The Farmer's Market was on in the Arts Centre and was bustling with folks buying the West Country's finest produce.

The big draw, of course, is the smiley chap in red, ho ho ho. The Munchkin looks forward to this each year (almost as much as me!) and I religiously take his photo next to the float and am then shocked to see how much nearer to the top of the float he is growing!

He is rather more interested in the Quality Street which get dished out. I think he will never be too old for those, I know I'm not. (Please excuse his mother's wrinkly fleecy gloves he has borrowed.)

The street market is doing a roaring trade and talented folks are plying their trades with a seasonal touch.

Meanwhile, I am predictably buying things I don't really need but just can't leave behind from junk shops. My Dad is a superb mule! However, I must train him not to come out with the inevitable, "What have you bought that for?"

Back at the cottage, we have a dinky Christmas tree for the first time. We usually just go with a few decorations but this year, we've gone the whole (baby) hog. I was chuffed to discover vintage baubles I'd bought and forgotten about, stashed away in the loft. Obviously, a better photo would have been taken in the darkening afternoon light but I simply forgot (oops, what an amateur). One of my peg doll fairies (a few still currently available here) has found herself atop the tree.

We have fairy lights all round the sitting room which creates a rather lovely grotto effect, a few vintage paper decorations and some vintage tinsel. All from local thrifty shops and markets.

Saturday night is a big deal for the Munchkin as it's Strictly Come Dancing night. We break open the crackers at dinner for the first time and he gets into the festive spirit!

On Sunday, we took advantage of the dry weather and headed off to the flea market at Shepton Mallet where we chatted to friends, munched on pasties and bought gorgeous fabric (thank you Lizzie!) and also wedged a 1940's cupboard into the groaning car. We'll look at that another day.

The heavens opened and back off home we headed but just when you thought we couldn't possibly take anything else home...

The HenHouse needs a tree too, you know, and we do rather like to go the whole fully grown (rather than the baby) hog here.

20 comments:

Ooooh,I was so looking forward to seeing the cottage all dressed up for Christmas...gorgeous! That tree's going to take some decorating.I've finished my little three foot one,but it's listing badly,and it's got the fire guard round it to protect the baubles from Bella's tail! :0)

Thats what dads do - mine does "What do you want that for!" - or his other favourite "you don't want that!"Love the little cute tree with the pretty decorations and fairy.I like Munchkins coats very smart and warm.Julie xxxxxxxxxx

Fabulous post. What lovely stalls with things for sale. I can say I too have been to Shepton mallet ( and lovely Kilver Court garden and shops nearby.) WE loved it there when we did our big late life OE in July.

You never fail to make me feel as if I had enjoyed a day in the English countryside.. a dream of mine. My fave photo was the one of Munchkin in front of the roaring fire.. how cozy!:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦: *M*E*R*R*Y* *C*H*R*I*S*T*M*A*S*!*:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦: ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

OOo, it looks like you had a fabulous weekend Hen. I love that picture of your Dad carrying your box (super box by the way :o) His facial expression kinda says "Look what she's got me carrying now!" Bless him :o)

It is a shame about those ugly barriers round that tree. They have that here too.. Health & safety again I expect...Your 'little' tree does look pretty, and that angel sits on there nicely too. Just the right size.Did you make your big lampshade and curtains Hen? I can see those gorgeous pillow most certainly have your name on them :o)

P.s. Forgot to say..Munchkin looks very dapper in his coat! (despite grannies gloves lol) and that last photo of him besides the fire looks like it's out of country living! What a super lad you have :o) Bye my dear. xx

Hmmm- sprouts- such cute wee things, but grey and soggy, deeply unappealing. I'd like to try them cooked the Gordon Ramsay way. Gordy was on our tv last week, and I tried roast spuds his way, and Johnny said they were the best ever! I actually don't mind sprouts, but his looked fantastic.

Munchkin's coat is so dapper, he looks fabulous! It really is the Christmas season isn't it! I love the box you found that your dad is carrying for you. My dad is the same with the "what do you need that for?" How do you explain it, it's impossible! Count down to Christmas now, it's going really fast this year. Vanessa xxx

Rent Lilac Cottage

My Den

About Me

Hello and thank you for visiting the HenHouse. I'm a stay-at-home thirty-something mum looking after Mr HenHouse and the Munchkin, aged 13 (going on 18). We also have a gorgeous and very spoiled ginger tom, Charlie Boy. Sadly we had to say goodbye to our two other furry boys this year. We have recently moved from the city to our dream home in the West Country. I have always loved vintage and have collections of eiderdowns, china and fabrics to name just a few. I love sewing and am an avid patchworker and quilter. As a family, we are dotty about the past and love the 1940s, often dressing up for re-enactment events. To fund my fabric habit, I sell handmade items in my Etsy shop. I'm pretty nutty about interiors, too and our homes have been featured in various magazines.